Mind gala dinner with Peter and Steph Shilton raises £15k

The event for Mid and North Essex Mind was held at the Jobserve Community Stadium in Colchester.

Celebrities in attendance included former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and his wife, Steph, actor and singer Jess Conrad, John Lyons from the TV crime series Touch of Frost, comedian Duncan Norvelle and world boxing champion John H Stracey.

Welsh Tenor John Pierce entertained guests, as well as a rat pack show.

Mrs Shilton spoke to the audience about her concerns over the ever increasing mental health referrals. She stressed the need for the town to support the Mind

charity, which has bases in Colchester and Tendring, saying the service is invaluable to communities.

The event was in support of World Mental Health Day.

She said: “I was thrilled Will Quince and the mayor gave up their time to come along and support the event.

“Mental health is an area we can all become involved in.

“Just understanding, listening and talking can seriously make a difference to someone who is suffering from mental health issues.”

The money will go towards offering mental health support and counselling.

Peter Shilton played as a goalkeeper and holds the record for playing more games for the England men’s national football team than anyone else, earning 125 caps, and holds the all-time record for the most competitive appearances in world football.

Mr and Mrs Shilton, who worked for the NHS, started a consultancy business together with the idea of passing on their experience in the fields of healthcare and football to others.

Steph Mills, marketing and fundraising manager at Mind, said: “We are really grateful to everyone who attended our inaugural gala dinner on World Mental Health Day – everyone really enjoyed themselves and it was a great success.

“We would like to say thank you in particular to Steph and Peter Shilton for their support in organising such a fabulous evening.”

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